Crayonbird
Menu

Brain zone

Spot the rule: sorting puzzles

Things are sorted into groups. What's the sorting rule?

Play nowPrint a sheet

Five levels

Choose your level

Start where it feels easy, then step up. Each round is new.

  1. Easy

    Ages 5–7 · 10 puzzles

    Play nowPrint

  2. Medium

    Ages 7–9 · 10 puzzles

    Play nowPrint

  3. Hard

    Ages 9–11 · 10 puzzles

    Play nowPrint

  4. Tricky

    Ages 11–13 · 10 puzzles

    Play nowPrint

  5. Expert

    Ages 13+ · 10 puzzles

    Play nowPrint

What it trains

Spot the rule

Spot the rule trains finding a hidden rule from examples and non-examples — how scientists test ideas.

How to solve it

Three steps

  1. Step 1: Look at what everything in the first group has in common.

  2. Step 2: Check that nothing in the second group has it.

  3. Step 3: Test every answer rule on every item.

Try one

An example puzzle

Level 2 · Medium

These are sorted into two groups. What is the rule for group 1?

Group 1

Group 2

  1. AEach box has one shape.
  2. BThey are all plain.
  3. CThey are all triangles.
  4. DThey are all solid.
Show the answer and the rule
Answer: C
  • The rule: They are all triangles.
Play Medium

Questions

Is this an IQ test?

No. These are reasoning puzzles like those found in IQ-style tests, made for practice and fun. We don't measure intelligence or give IQ scores.

Which level should my child start at?

Each level shows suggested ages, but start where it feels easy and move up after a round with two or three stars.

Can I print these puzzles?

Yes. Every puzzle type prints as a black-and-white sheet with a separate answer key, on A4 or US Letter.

More brain puzzles

Try another kind

Odd one out

Which one doesn't belong? Pictures, shapes, numbers and words.

Rotation

Which one is the same shape, only turned? Flat shapes and 3D blocks.

Cube nets

Fold flat shapes into cubes in your head.

Maths cages

Fill the grid so each cage makes its target number.

All brain puzzles